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What to wear to a holiday party
Dress festive but comfortable. Rich textures like velvet or satin, deep colors like burgundy, emerald, and navy, or one piece with a little shine make any outfit feel like a party. For work holiday parties, dress one notch up from the office and keep it appropriate.
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The dress code, decoded
- Office holiday party — Your best office outfit with one festive detail. Nothing you'd be uncomfortable seeing in Monday's group chat.
- Holiday cocktail party — Cocktail attire in holiday textures: a velvet blazer or satin dress.
- Casual gathering — A great knit, dark jeans, and one statement piece.
What women can wear
- A velvet or satin midi dress in a jewel tone is the easy holiday answer.
- Sequin or metallic separates, like a skirt or top, paired with something simple.
- Wide-leg trousers with a satin blouse work for office parties.
- Tights and ankle boots or heels keep a dress practical in cold weather.
What men can wear
- A velvet or textured blazer over a dark knit or shirt is festive without being a costume.
- A dark suit with a festive tie or pocket square works for dressier parties.
- For casual parties, a quality roll-neck or cardigan with dark trousers.
- Suede or polished leather shoes; skip sneakers unless the invite is very casual.
What to skip
- Novelty sweaters, unless it's a themed party.
- Anything too revealing at a work party.
- Shoes you can't stand in all night.
Season by season
- Cold climates — A tailored wool coat and a scarf that complement your outfit, not a ski jacket.
- Warm climates — Holiday colors and shine in lighter fabrics like silk, satin, and linen blends.
Good to know
Questions
- What should I wear to an office holiday party?
- Dress one notch up from your normal work outfit and add one festive detail, like velvet, a jewel tone, or a bit of shine. Keep it work-appropriate.
- What colors are best for a holiday party?
- Deep jewel tones like burgundy, emerald, and sapphire, plus black, navy, and metallic accents.
- What should a man wear to a holiday party?
- A velvet or textured blazer with a dark knit or shirt and dark trousers is festive and easy. Add a tie for dressier parties.
- Can I wear sequins to a holiday party?
- Yes. Pair one sequin or metallic piece with simple basics so the outfit feels festive rather than overwhelming.
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